Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

News from yesterday. Very sad for the Spurs, in my opinion. They are really sending mixed messages to the fans. On one hand, they land a HUGE signing of Modric, and get rid of troubled keeper Robinson...then they let their Captain go, and potentially their top scorer in Berbs.

Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

I can't wait to see how Keane and Torres play together. Should be a fun year at Anfield.

On a much more important note, I'm a little worried about Arsenal. They've got a champions league side but I don't think they have the fire power to seriously contend for the prem. Eduardo can't heal quickly enough. Unless Van Pierse can get back to form and the midfield stays healthy.

Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

To clarify...I heard that rumor, as well. To the Galaxy, I believe. I had not heard about a move to NY, though.

I hope it does not happen. Zidane has a great legacy (headbutt the exception), and if he comes to the MLS and stinks it up, that legacy will be tarnished.

Zidane has such a strong legacy, that I think it would be difficult to tarnish it by playing in the MLS. I see what you mean though.

I like the idea of some European footballers coming to the MLS and bringing a little credibility with them. Hopefully they can help keep raising the profile of football in the US and in turn raising attendance and revenues, so that one day, many American athletes will see football as a viable alternative to our established sports leagues.

Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

Definitely, I agree. With Becks coming over, he still was playing and not retired. He clearly has shown this season that he has plenty of football left in him.
Where I think it can be damaging is when a Euro legend comes out of retirement to try his hand in the MLS. I think that does more harm than good.

The MLS will never surpass the NBA, NFL, MLB, etc in this country. That was never its goal, though. The goal of the MLS is to compete with other soccer leagues around the world. If the league only gets the "re-tread" players, that does not help the cause. Hopefully, with Becks showing good form, it will entice other players to come over as well.

Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

I don't expect MLS to surpass the other sports, but I think it is inevitable that as our nation's ethnic demography continually changes, soccer will gradually to a level where it is more accepted as a major sport.

I agree that the MLS doesn't need "re-tread" players, because that won't help, but I think players who have made names for themselves on the international or major club scene will help. If general fans have the option to see players they have heard of previously, I think it can only help with the exposure of the MLS. Bigger names that people want to see mean larger audiences, more jersey sales, more frequently televised games. Which all contribute to the viability and quality of the MLS. Becks was a perfect move, because his high celebrity profile along with his football skills make him a great focal point for the league, and a personality that can draw attention to the sport and league, even if many Americans are still reluctant to recognize the beautiful game.

I personally feel that Zidane is borderline regarding this issue. I feel that he could still play at a fairly high level in the MLS, but it's hard to tell now after he's been retired, and not in football condition. I think Andriy Shevchenko should come here and light up the MLS for a couple seasons, since he can't seem to keep up with the pace in EPL!

Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

Interesting. I'm not sure Suprs' new signings will be able to gel quickly enough. They'll get better as the season goes on.

Everton won't finish in the top six and liverpool will falter like they always do.

Chelsea to win the Prem.

I wrestled with the Spurs. Now, if Berbs definitiely goes, that may change things. That is still up in the air, at latest report. As far as the gelling goes, if Ramos wasn't in charge, I would agree with you.

I like Everton's chances. I think they will duplicate their push to the front from last season. Also, I think the Keane addition will pay off for Liverpool. I do think they will struggle at first, but will get it together in time to push past Chelsea for the 2nd spot.

Re: The Official Soccer, Football, Futbol, and Footie Thread

Good showing from my Newcastle boys. Guitierrez and Martins looked great, and given was unreal in the first half. Liked the second half defensive adjustments from Keegan (I never thought I would say defensive and Keegan in the same breath). Solid performance from our new Argentenian and Taylor in the back.

Huge start for Chelsea...so much for them being old. But, it is only one match...